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Derby County boss Paul Warne has admitted that the playoffs still aren't out of his mind as his side gear up to take on Carlisle United on Saturday.

Rams on course for Championship

Heading into the final day of the League One season, Derby County sit in the second automatic promotion spot having turned their season around.

After a tough start, Warne's side have strung together an impressive run of results leaving them on the cusp of promotion to the Championship. A draw against bottom of the table and already relegated Carlisle would be enough to see them head up, while they could still be promoted with a loss should Bolton fail to win or win and swing the goal difference by less than 4.

Speaking on the season as a whole, Warne admitted it had been a tough one. “The start of the season didn’t go as well as we would have liked," he told BBC Radio Derby.

"We didn’t get the start we wanted and a few of our signings didn’t hit the ground running as well as we would have thought. The performance at Stevenage was typical League One. You can’t just have control of the ball and nothing else. You have to roll your sleeves up and win your battles.

“Football isn’t a complicated game, but it is confidence-based. You can bounce back and win games. We got injured players back, we got form, you get confidence and you get it rolling.”

Now, he has also revealed he is taking absolutely nothing for granted ahead of the weekend.

Why Dwight Gayle might miss Carlisle clash

This comes as Warne admitted that veteran striker Dwight Gayle might not make it after missing the last six games with a hamstring injury, just in case he could be needed for any play-off action.

Gayle was signed as a free agent in February and has scored three goals in six games to help the Rams push for promotion, as well as grabbing an assist. However, Warne has urged caution with the 34-year-old's return, revealing that he doesn't want to rush him back and then be without him for any potential play-offs next month.

League One play-off final 2024: Date, kick-off time, ticket info & more

Information on the upcoming play-off final, including how to get tickets for the match at Wembley Stadium.

By
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May 16, 2024

"I don't know if he is fit enough to play a part," he said. "He is joining in today a little bit ahead of schedule because he wants to play a part, but so do another 20."

"I also have to consider the fact that if results don't go our way, I am going to need Dwight for the playoffs. If I think there is a risk in playing him or having him on the bench, then I won't take it just to keep one player happy. It is about the team. I'll assess him over the next couple of days and make a decision."

Warne, like all of the Derby fans, will be hoping that it doesn't come to playoffs, but they've seen enough heartbreak in recent years to perhaps be quietly pleased with the fact the boss is preparing himself for all eventualities.

After a disappointing season, Manchester United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have reportedly turned towards the summer transfer window and lead the race to sign a key target for Erik ten Hag.

Man Utd transfer news

Change is needed at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have gone from a Premier League top four place and Carabao Cup win under Ten Hag to failing to qualify for the Champions League in a season full of moments to forget. And whilst they've still got the chance to salvage the campaign in the FA Cup final against Machester City, it's clear that reinforcements are needed in abundance this summer.

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Joe Nuttall

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With that said, the Red Devils have already been linked with both Frenkie de Jong and Ronald Araujo in a summer raid of Barcelona that would undoubtedly improve Ten Hag's current side. Araujo, in particular, would add some much-needed control next to Harry Maguire in United's backline, whilst De Jong could help to unleash Bruno Fernandes' best form.

If reports are to be believed, then Ratcliffe is certainly not messing around this summer and could even weaken a fellow Premier League side in the middle of his spending spree. According to ESPN, Manchester United are in pole position to sign Michael Olise from Crystal Palace this summer in a deal that would see them trigger the winger's reported release clause of between £50m and £60m, after initial reports indicated their interest.

Chelsea, of course, came close to signing the former Reading star last summer, before Palace sealed a new contract with Olise to pour cold water on any potential deal. Upping his release clause in the process, it is now United who are the frontrunners ahead of the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, despite not qualifying for the Champions League this season.

A player who has more than proven his quality in the Premier League, Olise could finally add some much-needed creativity to United's attack, where the onus has nearly entirely fallen on Fernandes this term.

"Wonderful" Olise can thrive where Sancho failed

Whilst there will be a lot of finger pointing as to why Jadon Sancho failed to find his best form at Manchester United, before heading out on loan to Borussia Dortmund, the conclusion is that a big-money arrival ultimately struggled to make the impact needed by such an expensive signing. Where he failed, however, Olise can shine at Old Trafford.

The winger has earned plenty of praise in the past, including from former Palace manager Roy Hodgson, who told the Palace club website after a match last season: “In the second-half he was spot on with everything. In the first-half we didn’t get enough out of him, and we couldn’t bring him into the game as much as we wanted. In the first-half he was a figure on the right but he wasn’t creating chances or showing aggression in his play. In the second-half he got it all right in both defence and attack and he showed what a wonderful player he is."

To sum up his form throughout the current campaign, Olise has managed seven goals and four assists in just 16 appearances. With 11 goal involvements in such little time, United fans may be left wondering just how impressive the winger would be in a season without injuries.

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has admitted he was "upset" after being left off the final 30-man Ballon d'Or shortlist.

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• Rodrygo snubbed from Ballon d'Or list
• Won Champions League and La Liga last season
• Seven Real Madrid team-mates nominated

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 23-year-old bagged 17 goals and nine assists for Real Madrid last term as they won the Champions League and La Liga, but was not recognised for his efforts as part of the Ballon d'Or shortlist. Rodrygo has since spoken out on his omission, claiming he "deserved" to be nominated while expressing his frustration.

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  WHAT RODRYGO SAID

  Speaking to ESPN, the Brazil star said: "I was upset, I think I deserved it. I don't want to belittle the players who are there, but I think I had a place in the 30. It was a surprise… But there's not much I can do, I'm not the one who decides these things."

  Rodrygo also suggested that his versatility may have counted against him in the voting process, adding: "Often, I'm just filling spaces. Is someone missing there? Put Rodrygo in. Is someone missing on the right? Rodrygo. Is someone missing as No. 9? Rodrygo. That's it. It may get in my way a little, but I'm a team player."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  In a team full of superstars, it can be difficult for Rodrygo to stand out. But the 28-cap Brazil international has a point. Under Carlo Ancelotti, he has become a regular starter with arguably just as much importance to the team as Vinicius Junior, who often starts on the opposite flank.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RODRYGO?

  Having earned the Man of the Match award for his efforts as Brazil beat Ecuador in their recent World Cup qualifier, Rodrygo will be looking to have an impact again when they travel to Paraguay on Tuesday. He is then due to return to Real Madrid for their next La Liga outing against Real Sociedad on September 14.

Manchester United flop Antony has been mocked for "thinking he was a real baller in the Eredivisie" amid his struggles for form at Old Trafford.

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• Antony was signed for £85 million from Ajax
• Brazilian yet to find consistency
• Scored just three goals last season

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 24-year-old Brazilian was signed from Ajax in 2022 for an eye-watering £85 million ($112m), with hopes that his dazzling Eredivisie form would translate seamlessly to English football. However, his performances in the Premier League have fallen well short of expectations, and critics have been quick to point out the differences between succeeding in the Eredivisie and thriving in England's top flight.

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• WHAT MARCEL VAN DER KRAAN SAID

  Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan weighed in on the situation, expressing his belief that Ten Hag is likely feeling the pressure of Antony’s underwhelming performances, especially given the significant financial investment made on his recommendation.

  In an interview with , Van der Kraan said: "Erik ten Hag is praying it will still happen because, on his advice, so much money was spent on this player. It’s the usual trap that Dutch coaches fall for when they go to England, they’ve seen players in the Netherlands that have done alright.

  “Antony came from Brazil, joined Ajax and in Brazil, he was a big talent. He comes to the Eredivisie which is not on the same level. He thought he was a real baller in the Eredivisie. Yes, you are against the likes of Utrecht and Go Ahead Eagles. You only play three or four big games in a season and yes he did light the stadium up a few times in the big games but it’s not a consistent period. Then he came to England and thought ‘Oh hang on, I’m facing really tough opponents’.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Antony got on the scoresheet from the spot against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup but Van der Kraan believes that is simply not enough to justify the club’s massive outlay for his services.

  "In the past, he would scrap a bit as well," he said. "He was one of those Brazil street kids who would do that and he’s found out that when he meets some boys from London or Manchester or Liverpool who grew up on the streets there, they’re just as tough as him.

  “If Antony’s level of playing has gone down to the Carabao Cup against Barnsley, then that is not the sort of line you want to take in your career when you move for so much money.”

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Antony scored just three goals and provided two assists in the 2023-24 season after spending over 1900 minutes on the pitch. In this campaign, he has got just a minute of Premier League football under his belt and Ten Hag has warned him he will have to fight for return to his lineup.

Manchester United are likely to accept a cut-price offer for a £200,000-a-week star this summer, in what could be a busy few months for new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Man Utd manager latest

The Red Devils, with sporting decisions now down to Ratcliffe and INEOS, have been heavily linked with making a managerial change ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Ratcliffe pushing as "brilliant" manager now the new top target at Man Utd

They may finally have found their replacement for Erik ten Hag this summer.

By
Ben Browning

May 8, 2024

Erik ten Hag will see the current campaign out, but the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City may well be his final game in charge. The Dutchman is adamant he is the right man for the job, though, saying after Monday’s 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace:

"Absolutely. If the right players are available, we have a good squad. We miss almost the whole backline and then we have problems. I will keep fighting. I prepared the team in the best way I could do. It was not good enough, I have to take responsibility for that but I will find energy and prepare them for Sunday's game."

Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has been heavily linked with being the man to replace Ten Hag, with the German finding a move to Old Trafford appealing. Meanwhile, England boss Gareth Southgate is also thought to be a leading candidate, with talks open, so all the signals are pointing to a change in the dugout.

Alongside a possible search for a new boss, United could also have a mass player exodus, with The Manchester Evening News previously listing 21 players that may leave this summer.

Man Utd to sell Harry Maguire for big loss

According to Football Insider, Harry Maguire is set to leave Man Utd over the summer as part of their mass Old Trafford overhaul. The centre-back, on £200,000-a-week, joined from Leicester City in a deal worth £80m back in 2019, however, Ratcliffe and co will now accept a £20m offer, resulting in a huge £60m loss (75%).

Maguire’s contract is set to expire in 2025, so this summer could be the last real opportunity United have to cash in on the 31-year-old. So far this season, United have had a plethora of injury problems at the back, and Maguire has recently suffered has issue of his own.

In total, the Englishman has made 31 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring four times and providing two assists. However, it looks as if his days at Old Trafford are now numbered, and if he doesn’t return in time to take on Manchester City at Wembley towards the end of the month, Maguire may have already played his final game for United.

Inevitably, after winning promotion, higher-up suitors will be tempted to have a look at your best talents.

Derby County will wait with bated breath over whether they will be able to keep all their top stars together from their League One promotion story for the jump-up to the Championship, with Eiran Cashin the obvious name who could well now be linked with a move away from Pride Park.

Linked with a move all the way up to the Premier League in the past, Cashin's virtually ever-present nature in the third tier – with 52 games amassed in all competitions – means he's maturing at a rapid speed, potentially ready for a move up to the top-flight as a result.

Derby will want a significant amount of money to part ways with any of their group currently, however, which worked in their favour previously when offloading this former star in 2001 for a sizeable amount who then flopped in his new surroundings.

Seth Johnson's time at Derby

Seth Johnson will go down as a cherished player from Derby yesteryear when Rams supporters look back, with the combative midfielder amassing 143 appearances in total over two stints at Pride Park.

His first spell was his most impactful, which would later lead to a major move away from Derbyshire, with two goals and five assists managed from 71 games.

Scoring this header (above) against Wimbledon to salvage a point in his debut season – which saw the Rams finish just above the relegation zone in the top flight – Johnson would even go on to be capped by England remarkably during this spell of his career.

Leeds must have thought gambling on the no-nonsense midfield man, who accumulated a ridiculous 40 yellow cards in total when donning a Rams strip, was going to pay off at the start of the millennium with a high £7m bid accepted for his services.

It would end up being an injury-ravaged portion of the now retired 45-year-old's career at Elland Road in a move that should've catapulted him to stardom, with his career halting prematurely anyway at just 28 years of age when moving back to Derby owing to these recurring fitness issues.

The Rams would have felt for one of their ex-stars moving on having such a nightmare, but when assessing TotallyMoney's Transfer Index, Derby would feel some satisfaction regardless for how much they managed to get out of Leeds at the time.

Seth Johnson's transfer value in 2024

Going on to make just 59 appearances for the Whites over four seasons, his hefty £7m price tag at the time already makes the move a flop.

However, if the same disastrous move went through today, Johnson would have cost Leeds an eye-watering £23m as per TotallyMoney.

To further add context, that would make Johnson an even more expensive buy than both Joel Piroe and Ethan Ampadu combined in Daniel Farke's current Leeds squad.

With his best appearances total for a season coming in at a low 26 at Elland Road, Leeds would have been more than happy, if a little hacked off at paying £7m, to part ways with Johnson for him to return back to Pride Park for a homecoming in 2005 on a free transfer.

Bowing out by helping the Rams move up to the Premier League in his final ever career game, before a knee injury saw his early retirement come to fruition, Derby supporters will just hope there's plenty more to come from their current crop of talent who won't just exit in the summer.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

Jill Roord will make a return to Manchester City squad after spending eight months on the sidelines following an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

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• Roord suffered an ACL injury in late January
• Has returned to full training post-recovery
• Will be inducted in squad against Brighton

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Roord picked up the injury in City’s Conti Cup group stage victory over Manchester United back in January. And after a long road to recovery, she was finally cleared to join her team-mates in training in September.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While she is still not ready to play a part in the upcoming Champions League qualifier against Paris FC, City manager Gareth Taylor has confirmed that Roord is expected to be named in the squad for this weekend's Women's Super League (WSL) clash against Brighton.

• WHAT TAYLOR SAID

  Speaking to reporters, Taylor informed: "[Roord is] closer. This weekend is where you’ll see Jill back in the squad. That was always our plan over the last few weeks, but she’s in full training. She’s really performing to a high level.

  “The natural inclination is to get her involved sooner if we can. As coaches, we always push that and have good conversations with the medical team. They’ve done an excellent job. The way Jill has embraced her plan has been top. Even to get her back for Brighton on Sunday for some period of the game is a testament to her and all of the medical team here.”

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Roord’s absence was felt throughout the latter half of City’s 2023-24 campaign. Before her injury, she had made an immediate impact after joining the club from Wolfsburg, scoring six goals and providing two assists in just 11 WSL appearances. In her absence, the team relied on young talents like Jess Park to fill the gap.

A £5,800-a-week star with a "great attitude" now wants to join Celtic in the summer transfer window, according to a new update from Sky Sports.

Celtic transfer news

The Hoops are still riding high after not only winning the Scottish Premiership title at the expense of rivals Rangers, but also clinching Scottish Cup glory against them, following Adam Idah's dramatic late winner at Hampden Park last month.

This isn't a time for Celtic to be getting carried away, however, and Brendan Rodgers will know that further improvements are needed to his squad this summer, especially in terms of holding their own more in the Champions League next season.

One audacious piece of business that has been mooted is a move for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, which could really catch the eye of supporters. Granted, the 28-year-old has had a tough year or two, struggling at the Etihad and on loan at West Ham, but he has still been a regular starter for England at major tournaments, and is young enough to have plenty of good years in him still.

Celtic are also reportedly "trying to negotiate" a deal that will see Paulo Bernardo join the Hoops for good after being on loan from Benfica, potentially coming in as Rodgers' first signing of the summer. Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir could also come in as a replacement for the retired Joe Hart, as he eyes an exit from Old Trafford in order to enjoy more regular football.

Player with "great attitude" wants Celtic move

According to an update from Sky Sports, Celtic's deal for Bernardo just got easier, because the Portuguese talent is "keen" on a permanent move after being "told" he has no future with his parent club. There is an option to buy clause in his loan, which could be worth £6.5m, but the Hoops are still hopeful of lowering it.

This is great news for Celtic, with the £5,800-a-week Bernardo proving to be an important player after arriving on loan, making 22 appearances in the league, also chipping in with three goals and assists apiece in the process.

The 22-year-old caught the eye of Rodgers, who is no doubt very interested in retaining his services, with the Hoops boss saying back in December: "For Paulo it was good. He’s such a mature player for a young player. He’s always had a great attitude at training. He’s played in a lot of big games. But he had a wee bit of everything today – he had a wee bit of dig, put his foot in, passed the ball and made runs into the box."

Man Utd now considering offering nearly £1m total package for 18 y/o gem

He’s a future star…

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 1, 2024

A permanent switch is a no-brainer for Celtic, and the fact that Bernardo wants the same thing means that a deal will hopefully be struck with few stumbling blocks, even though they will look to get him for less than the aforementioned £6.5m.

James McClean showered praise on a Wrexham teammate after Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's side closed in on Birmingham by crushing Northampton 4-1.

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• Wrexham cruised past Northampton
• McClean scored twice at home
• Ryan Barnett had an influential afternoon

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Riding on a brace from McClean and goals from Jack Marriott and Elliot Lee, the Red Dragons ran riot against Northampton. However, the architect behind the four goals was none other than – Ryan Barnett.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Barnett ran riot in the wide areas with his exceptional crossing causing trouble for Northampton's defence. McClean's opener and Lee's third were assisted by Barnett while the full-back played key roles in the two other goals which led McClean to hail his performance as a "masterclass".

• WHAT MCCLEAN SAID

  After the victory, McClean took to Instagram and wrote: "3 points, 2 goals, assist, witnessed a @ryanbarnett38 masterclass, brilliant Sat at the Racecourse 🙌🏻🔴🐲".

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

  Wrexham are just two points behind leaders Birmingham after their latest victory, albeit having played a match more. They will be back in action in an EFL Trophy clash with Wolves Under-21s on Tuesday night before refocussing on League Two with fixtures against Rotherham and Huddersfield in quick succession.

Manchester City are reportedly considering Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim as their new manager to succeed Pep Guardiola in 2025.

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• Guardiola's future hangs in balance
• Man City preparing for life without the Spaniard
• Amorim has emerged as a potential candidate

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Guardiola, who has been at the helm of Manchester City since 2016, has been instrumental in delivering unprecedented success to the club including a historic Treble in the 2022-23 season. But the manager's future remains uncertain and the man himself has stated that "anything can happen", leaving the door open to both extending his stay or moving on.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to , the club’s hierarchy is already working behind the scenes to recruit a worthy successor and have set their sights on Amorim, who has already been on the radar of top European clubs including Manchester United and Liverpool. A significant factor in City’s interest in Amorim is his close relationship with Hugo Viana at Sporting, who is set to join the club as director of football after taking over the reins from Txiki Begiristain. With Viana overseeing recruitment Amorim would be a logical choice for the managerial role, should Guardiola decide to step down.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Guardiola’s future could be complicated by the looming shadow of financial sanctions. City are currently facing 115 alleged breaches related to financial misconduct, and there is a possibility of severe punishments, including expulsion from the Premier League. The uncertainty surrounding these charges adds another layer of complexity to Guardiola’s decision on whether to extend his contract or move on at the end of the 2024-25 season.

  However, if Guardiola leaves City, he will not take the England job, with Thomas Tuchel the FA's pick to step into the hot-seat.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?

  Amorim's managerial career has been defined by his tactical acumen and ability to develop young talent. His success at Sporting Lisbon, where he has secured two Portuguese league titles, makes him a favoured candidate for the post. A new era could possibly be on the horizon if Amorim indeed goes on to succeed Guardiola.